A female will lead the 62nd District beginning next year.
On Tuesday, voters chose Karen Hamilton as the Republican candidate for the 62nd District House of Delegates. Incumbent Nick Freitas announced his impending retirement earlier this year, endorsing Hamilton for the seat. The Orange County military wife and homeschool mother beat Madison County Supervisor and cattleman Clay Jackson for the nomination.
Hamilton received 58.1% of the vote, earning 2,440 voters while Jackson received 41.9%, 1,760 votes. Hamilton was the top vote getter in Culpeper, Greene and Orange counties, but Jackson was chosen by Madison voters, 611 votes to Hamilton’s 445.
Hamilton thanked her supporters, family and friends for their assistance with her campaign, as well as the district’s voters.
“To the voters of District 62, thank you for placing your faith in me by granting me the Republican nomination for this seat,” she said in a prepared statement. “I reaffirm my promise to you to always be a staunch defender of your constitutional liberties and our way of life here in District 62.”
Tuesday night, Jackson thanked those who voted for him.
“Thank you for all the support; truly appreciate it,” he said. “It’s been a fun path meeting everybody and truly an honor to have everyone voting for me.”
Hamilton will now take on Democrat Sara Ratcliffe of Greene County in the November election. Ratcliffe is no stranger to the election process, having previously sought election to the House of Delegates in 2021 and 2023.
Also occurring Tuesday was the Democratic Primary for lieutenant governor and attorney general. Ghazala Hashmi narrowly beat out her five opponents to win the lieutenant governor nomination receiving 27.39% of the vote, earning 131,812 votes. Levar Stoney narrowly finished second with 128,231 votes, 26.64%, followed by Aaron Rouse, 26.34%, 126,789; Babur Lateef, 8.40%, 40,440; Alexander Bastani, 5.69%, 27,377; and Victor Salgado, 5.54%, 26,680. Hashmi will take on radio host and Republican John Reid in November.
In the attorney general race, Jay Jones earned 51.01% of the vote with 244,434 votes compared to Shannon Taylor, 48.99%, 234,777 votes. Jones will attempt to oust incumbent Jason Miyares in November.
